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2019 NFL Draft: 15 Players you need to know

By Michael Johnson

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Keller Chryst #10 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a touchdown pass during the second quarter as he is pressured by Porter Gustin #45 of the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Keller Chryst #10 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a touchdown pass during the second quarter as he is pressured by Porter Gustin #45 of the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with Noah Furbush #59 of the Michigan Wolverines after the Michigan Wolverines recovered a fumble and scored against the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with Noah Furbush #59 of the Michigan Wolverines after the Michigan Wolverines recovered a fumble and scored against the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

7. Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan 

Chase Winovich isn’t the highest rated prospect on the Michigan Wolverines defense. However, he possesses a solid skill-set that makes appealing to both 4-3 and 3-4 NFL teams. He may get labeled as a tweener because of his 6-3, 255-pound frame. However, he possesses a solid burst off the line and does a great job diagnosing plays. He doesn’t have the ideal power at the point of attack to hold up against runs being directed at him. Nevertheless, he’s rarely fooled by RPOs and, because of his high motor, he almost always gets his man.

In fact, Winovich finished the 2017 college football season with 18 tackles for loss and 79 tackles overall. He also had eight sacks, showing he’s more than capable of getting to the quarterback. Early on, he’ll probably be best used as a situational pass rusher. But because of his great instincts and relentless effort, he could work his way into a starting job quickly.

6. Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami 

The 2019 NFL Draft class isn’t loaded with great talent at safety. However, one of the better prospects resides in Miami. Jaquan Johnson is arguably the best strong safety prospect in college football. Johnson is 5-11, 195 pounds and plays fast and hard. His best trait is his ability to diagnose and react. When he plays the run, he’s quick, aggressive and doesn’t rely on lowering his shoulder to make the big hit.

Instead, he’s a technician when tackling backs and receivers, making it difficult for them to break free. Last season, Johnson finished with 98 tackles, three going for a loss. Johnson has great quickness and excellent range, but doesn’t have elite ball skills. He does have the ability to play man-coverage on tight ends and slot receivers at the next level.

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